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Huron Announces 12 Senior-Level Promotions

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Global professional services firm Huron (NASDAQ: HURN) today announced 12 managing director and corporate vice president promotions to further support its strategic objectives and accelerate growth.

“These talented individuals have consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and fostered our collaborative and inclusive culture while making a meaningful impact on the lives of the people and clients we serve,” said James H. Roth, chief executive officer of Huron. “I am excited for them to build on their successes in the years ahead and congratulate each of them on achieving this significant career milestone.”

• Nicole Bengtson is a managing director with more than 20 years of experience leading complex health systems, academic medical centers and community hospitals through strategic and operational transformation. Nicole has expertise helping healthcare organizations optimize their business operations and care delivery models to enhance the consumer experience and improve the quality of care.
• Cati Cederoth is a managing director with 25 years of technology consulting expertise. Cati has extensive experience delivering innovative analytic solutions that help clients use data and intelligent automation to better understand and operate their businesses. She enables organizations to use data in new ways to draw insights and make better, faster decisions.
• Kristen Colella is a managing director in Huron’s Innosight business. Kristen has more than 10 years of experience helping organizations develop growth strategies and enhance their business models to drive innovation and navigate constant disruption.
• Elizabeth Entinghe is corporate vice president of corporate development and chief of staff to Huron’s executive leadership team. Elizabeth has extensive experience leading cross-functional and global teams across the organization to develop and execute initiatives that advance the company’s strategy, drive operational efficiency and accelerate growth, including through acquisitions and partnerships.
• Kyle Featherstone is a corporate vice president and controller. Kyle has more than 15 years of experience leading various finance functions, including global accounting, external reporting, auditing and compliance.
• Andrew Fulton is a managing director with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations identify and use innovative technology solutions to accelerate their digital transformation and drive growth.
• Sarah McHugh is a corporate vice president and chief marketing officer. Sarah has a proven track record within a number of industries of accelerating strategic growth through demand generation programs, digital marketing, brand management, media relations and investor communications efforts.
• Marc Passalacqua is a managing director with deep expertise providing consumer product organizations with strategic and financial guidance. From strategic planning and forecasting to expense management and reporting, Mark helps leadership teams proactively address their unique challenges to support long-term growth.
• Raj Patel is a managing director with extensive leadership experience helping health systems, academic medical centers and medical groups through organizational transformation to improve operational efficiency, enhance the quality of care and drive sustainable financial results.
• Vince Salvato is a managing director with more than 17 years of experience developing technology solutions that help higher education institutions solve their most complex business challenges. Vince collaborates with higher education institutions to implement the Salesforce platform to improve recruitment and create a better user experience for students, alumni and staff.
• Agatha Serda is a managing director with more than 12 years of experience providing organizations across industries strategic turnaround, crisis management and merger and acquisition guidance to maximize shareholder value.
• Prashant Srivastava is a managing director in Huron’s Innosight business. Prashant has extensive experience helping healthcare and life sciences organizations foster innovation, develop new growth strategies and create disruptive business models to drive sustained growth.

ABOUT HURON

Huron is a global consultancy that collaborates with clients to drive strategic growth, ignite innovation and navigate constant change. Through a combination of strategy, expertise and creativity, we help clients accelerate operational, digital and cultural transformation, enabling the change they need to own their future. By embracing diverse perspectives, encouraging new ideas and challenging the status quo, we create sustainable results for the organizations we serve. Learn more at www.huronconsultinggroup.com.

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Allie Bovis

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Illinois United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Consulting Other Professional Services Professional Services

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Road to Recovery is Uncertain for America’s Small and Medium-sized Businesses

Harder hit than their peers in metro areas, rural businesses expect that recovery could take two years or more

DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
The prolonged economic impacts of COVID-19 are wearing on small and medium-sized businesses as owners report more uncertainty about when and how they may recover, according to a new report from Principal Financial Group^®. The Principal Financial Well-Being Index^SM highlights difficulties particularly for those businesses in rural communities.

The research tracks how the latest surge of coronavirus infections is weighing heavily on small and medium-sized businesses and impacting how they’re preparing for the near future. Principal^® has been following the impact of COVID-19 on these businesses – and how they’re adapting – since last Spring, comparing results over time.

Small businesses see help on the way

While the country grapples with the resurgence of COVID-19 cases and restrictions, survey participants are more concerned and cautious about the economic outlook than in September of 2020¹. 46% of businesses surveyed reported to be fully operational with about one in every four businesses saying they’re uncomfortable with their current cash flow situation. However, as they consider the next 12 months, 71% expect some level of improvement in their finances. Some attribute this cautious optimism to the vaccine and government support that may alleviate the situation.

Amy Friedrich, president of US Insurance Solutions at Principal, believes that while the COVID-19 vaccine will be a big help, it isn’t going to be a quick and easy fix. “With just a few weeks of the new year under our belts, it’s clear that 2021 will continue to be a bumpy road,” said Friedrich. “Small business relief programs should continue to support stability but certain sectors may need more support to see any 2021 growth. Patience, creativity, and continued resilience will likely be key traits for businesses in what could be an uneven recovery year.”

Greater challenges in rural America

The most recent survey results highlight discrepancies between how rural and metro small and medium-sized businesses are being impacted by the continued economic challenges of COVID-19. Less than a quarter of rural businesses reported being fully operational compared to almost half of metro respondents. A third of rural businesses believe their local economy is declining in comparison to 18% of metro businesses. And 61% of rural businesses feel unsupported or impartial to federal government policies or initiatives designed to help their businesses² compared to 36% of metro counterparts³.

Rural business owners also anticipate recovery to take much longer with a majority saying it could take two years or more. Among metro business owners, the majority anticipates recovery within the next year. Despite these challenges, rural businesses are investing like their metro counterparts in driving their business forward amid the extraordinary circumstances – focusing on improving customer satisfaction (30%), offering a new product or a new line of service (22%), and creating or improving their website, apps and social media channels (15%).

Small businesses are facing big decisions

Throughout the pandemic, business owners have remained focused on the health and well-being of their employees. During this last survey, top priorities included the health of their employees and themselves (42%), supporting employees emotionally and mentally during this time (32%), and paying employees’ salaries and benefits (29%).

Although 70% of the respondents said they made no changes to their benefits offering⁴ (81% were businesses with less than 500 employees), many indicate they are shifting priorities in 2021 by adding or increasing benefits such as telehealth services (31%), Employee Assistance Programs (28%), and childcare support (27%). Due to these changes, some are considering pulling back other benefits. Those businesses with two to 499 employees are willing to decrease or drop long-term care insurance (15%), while their bigger counterparts – those with 500 or more employees – are willing to give up benefits such as hospital indemnity (18%).

“When employers listen to employees and adapt, there are naturally going to be trade-off decisions. Part of the work business owners do is effectively make these trade-off decisions – and continue to make them as employees’ needs evolve and the environment changes,” said Kara Hoogensen, senior vice president of specialty benefits at Principal. “Employers are making changes to best position their business and employees for success. These adaptations are just one more way small businesses are demonstrating their nimbleness and resilience during these unprecedented times.”

To see more survey results, view the full report (PDF).

About the Principal Financial Well-Being Index^SM

The Principal Financial Well-Being Index^SM surveys business owners, decision makers and business leaders aged 21 and over who work at companies with 2 – 10,000 employees. The nation-wide survey, commissioned since 2012, examines the financial well-being of American workers and business employers. In response to COVID-19, the Well-Being Index was transformed from an annual survey to a quarterly pulse, offering three waves, revisiting questions and measuring sentiment regarding timely issues in the small and medium-sized business marketplace. The survey was commissioned by Principal and conducted online by Dynata from November 13-22, 2020. The research report focuses on providing a holistic perspective on key trends and timely issues in the small and medium business market.

Principal developed a dedicated portal for employers designed to help business handle the effects of COVID-19 and a challenging economy in the months ahead. To learn more visit Navigating Business Now.

About Principal^®

Principal helps people and companies around the world build, protect and advance their financial well-being through retirement, insurance and asset management solutions that fit their lives. Our employees are passionate about helping clients of all income and portfolio sizes achieve their goals–offering innovative ideas, investment expertise and real-life solutions to make financial progress possible. To find out more, visit us at principal.com.

Dynata is not an affiliate of any member of the Principal Financial Group.

Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Co. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., 800-247-1737, member SIPC and/or independent broker/-dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group^®,

Des Moines, IA 50392. Principal Global Investors leads global asset management and is a member of the Principal Financial Group^®.

Principal, Principal and symbol design and Principal Financial Group are trademarks and service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a member of the Principal Financial Group.

© 2021 Principal Financial Services, Inc.

¹ For businesses with less than 500 employees, the percentage went up seven points from 33% in September.

² 29% unsupported and 32% neither supported nor unsupported.

³ 18% unsupported and 18% neither supported nor unsupported.

⁴ From March to December 2020.

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Paula McCarty, [email protected], 515.248.0417

KEYWORDS: Iowa United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Small Business Professional Services Insurance Finance

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First American Named One of the Best Workplaces in the San Francisco Bay Area by Great Place to Work^® and Fortune for Second Year in a Row

SANTA ANA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF), a leading global provider of title insurance, settlement services and risk solutions for real estate transactions, announced today that Fortune^® and Great Place to Work^® named First American as one of the 2021 Best Workplaces in the San Francisco Bay Area, marking the second consecutive year the company has been recognized as a premier Bay Area employer.

“The competition for talented people in the Bay Area is fierce, so we’re proud that Fortune and Great Place to Work have once again highlighted our status as a premier employer. But the spotlight belongs to our people and the significant role they play in maintaining the superior workplace experience at First American,” said Dennis Gilmore, CEO, First American Financial Corporation. “Our people, and their integrity, teamwork and commitment to their colleagues, customers and communities, drive our reputation for leadership and innovation in the title insurance and settlement services industry.”

To prepare the 2021 Best Workplaces in the Bay Area list, Great Place to Work considered more than 44,000 employee surveys from companies across the San Francisco Bay Area, evaluating more than 60 elements of team members’ experience on the job. These included the extent to which employees trust leaders, the respect with which people are treated, the fairness of workplace decisions, and how much camaraderie there is among the team. Rankings are based on employees’ feedback and reward companies who best include all employees, no matter who they are or what they do for the organization.

“Talented people in the Bay Area want to work for organizations where they can be part of something innovative and impactful,” said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. “Organizations like First American are attracting these candidates because of their great workplace culture, where employees feel like their job is meaningful and that they can maximize their human potential.”

In 2020, First American was named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For^® list for the fifth consecutive year, and was also named one of the Best Workplaces for Women and one of the Best Workplaces in Financial Services and Insurance, each for the fifth year in a row.

The company’s Canadian subsidiary, FCT, has been named by Great Place to Work^® to the “Best Workplaces™ in Canada – 1000+ Employees” list for six consecutive years (2015-2020). In 2020, FCT was also recognized on the 2020 list of Best Workplaces™ for Inclusion, list of Best Workplaces™ for Women, and list of Best Workplaces™ for Mental Wellness

The Best Workplaces in the Bay Area is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work^® and Fortune^® based on employee survey feedback. To see the complete list of the 2021 Best Workplaces in the Bay Area, click here.

About First American

First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) is a leading provider of title insurance, settlement services and risk solutions for real estate transactions that traces its heritage back to 1889. First American also provides title plant management services; title and other real property records and images; valuation products and services; home warranty products; property and casualty insurance; banking, trust and wealth management services; and other related products and services. With total revenue of $6.2 billion in 2019, the company offers its products and services directly and through its agents throughout the United States and abroad. In 2020, First American was named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For^® list for the fifth consecutive year. More information about the company can be found at www.firstam.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210114005388/en/

Media Contact:

Marcus Ginnaty

Corporate Communications

First American Financial Corporation

714-250-3298

Investor Contact:

Craig Barberio

Investor Relations

First American Financial Corporation

714-250-5214

KEYWORDS: United States North America California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Banking Professional Services Human Resources Finance

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National Evaluation System for health Technology Coordinating Center Welcomes Regenstrief Institute to NESTcc Research Network

Partnership to advance generation of high-quality evidence in medical device evaluation

ARLINGTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
The National Evaluation System for health Technology Coordinating Center (NESTcc), an initiative of the Medical Device Innovation Consortium (MDIC), today announced the Regenstrief Institute as the newest Network Collaborator to join the NESTcc Research Network.

NESTcc has assembled a Research Network of internationally recognized health organizations to advance the generation of real-world evidence and foster collaboration with stakeholders across the medical device ecosystem. Through the curation of diverse data sources and research expertise, and the application of rigorous research methods and data quality standards, NESTcc enables efficient, high-quality studies of medical devices. NESTcc has developed projects across disease areas, device classes in 510(k) and PMA pathways and all stages of the total product life cycle, recently opening access to its Research Network for sponsored studies.

“We have followed NESTcc since its inception and are excited to work together to deliver on our shared aim of improving care and patient lives through scientific research,” said Peter Embí, M.D., M.S., president and chief executive officer, Regenstrief Institute. “This partnership will amplify the impact of Regenstrief’s data expertise, allowing us to collaborate with industry partners to provide real-world data and real-world evidence, which has the power not only to accelerate innovation but also transform clinical, regulatory and reimbursement decision-making. We look forward to leading the way with NESTcc and its outstanding community of Network Collaborators.”

Based in Indianapolis, Regenstrief Institute is a global leader dedicated to improving health and healthcare through innovations and research in biomedical informatics, health services and aging. With access to more than 13 billion clinical data elements from more than 16 million unique patients across 117 hospitals and 18,000 practices, Regenstrief Institute’s cadre of investigators are linked to one of the largest and most comprehensive biomedical and health informatics laboratories in the world. The institute’s expertise spans clinical data standards, health system interoperability, clinical Informatics, artificial intelligence and data science, health services and outcomes research, geriatrics, social science, epidemiology and biostatistics.

“With a wealth of interdisciplinary health services research and longitudinal EHR, claims, registry and pharmacy data that is generalizable to broad segments of the U.S. population, Regenstrief Institute enables NESTcc to further scale the capabilities of our Research Network,” said Sandra Siami, MPH, senior vice president, NESTcc, MDIC. “We are thrilled to join forces with Regenstrief to drive the value of real-world evidence and meet the growing demand for real-world data that is fit for purpose.”

With the addition of Regenstrief Institute, the NESTcc Research Network is now comprised of 15 Network Collaborators with access to data from more than 150 million patients.

About Regenstrief Institute

Founded in 1969 in Indianapolis, the Regenstrief Institute is a local, national and global leader dedicated to a world where better information empowers people to end disease and realize true health. A key research partner to Indiana University, Regenstrief and its research scientists are responsible for a growing number of major healthcare innovations and studies. Examples range from the development of global health information technology standards that enable the use and interoperability of electronic health records, to improving patient-physician communications, to creating models of care that inform practice and improve the lives of patients around the globe.

Sam Regenstrief, a nationally successful entrepreneur from Connersville, Indiana, founded the institute with the goal of making healthcare more efficient and accessible for everyone. His vision continues to guide the institute’s research mission.

About the National Evaluation System for health Technology Coordinating Center

In 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) awarded the Medical Device Innovation Consortium (MDIC) funding to establish the National Evaluation System for health Technology Coordinating Center (NESTcc). The Coordinating Center seeks to support the sustainable generation and use of timely, reliable and cost-effective Real-World Evidence (RWE) throughout the medical device lifecycle, using high-quality Real-World Data (RWD) that meets robust methodological standards for the purpose of enhancing regulatory and clinical decision-making. For more information, visit http://www.nestcc.org.

About the Medical Device Innovation Consortium

Founded in 2012, the Medical Device Innovation Consortium (MDIC) is the first public-private partnership created with the sole objective of advancing medical device regulatory science throughout the total product life cycle. MDIC’s mission is to promote public health through science and technology and to enhance trust and confidence among stakeholders. MDIC works in the pre-competitive space to facilitate development of methods, tools and approaches that enhance understanding and improve evaluation of product safety, quality, and effectiveness. Its initiatives improve product safety and patient access to cutting-edge medical technology while reducing cost and time to market. For more information, visit http://www.mdic.org.

Funding for NESTcc was made possible, in part, by the Food and Drug Administration through grant (3 U01 FD006292-03S1). Views expressed in written materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does any mention of trade names, commercial practices or organization imply endorsement by the United States Government.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210114005145/en/

Sean McNabb

[email protected]

+1 202.688.1337

KEYWORDS: Virginia United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Health Medical Devices Surgery Other Science Radiology Research Science

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Vantage Bank Texas Selects CGI for Payments System Modernization

CGI All Payments solution will provide future-ready digital platform for payments systems

FAIRFAX, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
CGI (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A) today announced Texas-based Vantage Bank Texas has deployed CGI All Payments as part of the community bank’s digital transformation.

CGI All Payments (APS) will underpin the Bank’s cloud-based digital modernization journey. APS replaces Vantage Bank’s legacy FedWire and ACH processing solutions, as well as positions the bank for real-time payments. This move will enable the bank to focus on differentiating their business offerings in order to meet their strategic growth objectives, while realizing unrivalled levels of service, availability, agility and most importantly, security from the CGI All Payments service in Microsoft Azure.

Vantage Bank’s transformation, like many other financial institutions, started with the need to replace aging and costly legacy solutions, at the same time positioning itself for future business growth. CGI worked closely with Vantage Bank Texas to define a plan of action to meet their short and long term needs. Four months after selecting CGI, Vantage Bank Texas is live with CGI All Payments.

“Our customers expect a better user experience. To deliver on those expectations, we partnered with CGI to improve efficiencies in payments processing with a modern, flexible solution,” said Shawn Main, Chief Business Architect at Vantage Bank Texas. “The goal of the project is to future-proof our payment systems while offering customers a wider range of payment and transfer options.”

“Payments are the foundation that every bank is built upon, and getting it right is critical. Choosing the right platform – a payment services hub that is modern, flexible, scalable – is fundamental to a bank achieving their growth strategy,” states Gareth Lodge, Senior Analyst, Celent. “Utilizing it then in the cloud can accelerate and multiply the benefits.”

“The increasing demand among financial customers for highly personalized data and payment options across a growing array of digital channels is challenging bank legacy systems,” said Robert Coakley, Vice-President of Payments Solutions at CGI. “Whether the goal is to deliver distinctive payments experiences, provide real-time payment options or meet compliance mandates, we are working side-by-side with global financial institutions and vital community banks, like Vantage Bank Texas, to chart a path forward for payments transformation solutions that are fully vetted for security and compliance across all platforms including public cloud.”

About CGI All Payments

CGI All Payments is a modern, modular solution built on global industry standards to ensure banks’ payments business is future-proof. It helps banks to increase revenue by reducing transaction costs and time to market for new revenue streams. A bank’s customers also benefit from a wide range of payment choices and the ability to transfer and receive funds 24/7/365. As an integrated software platform for processing real-time, wire and ACH payments, CGI All Payments’ built-in workflow engine helps automate the processing of payment transactions to reduce manual processing while improving straight-through processing (STP) rates across all payment types.

About CGI

Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 76,000 consultants and other professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2020 reported revenue is C$12.16 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210114005284/en/

Alison Hallett

Vice-President, U.S. Communications, CGI

[email protected]

+1 703-267-5915

KEYWORDS: Virginia Louisiana Texas United States North America Canada

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Finance Banking Professional Services Technology Software

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Hyperfine’s Advanced AI Applications automatically deliver deep learning-powered evaluation of brain injury from bedside Portable MR Imaging to support efficient clinical decision making.

Chris Ward
Hyperfine
1-866-SWOOP-MR
[email protected]